JP2005138596A - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small, simple and inexpensive printing device which enables a photographic image to be printed with a desired form by directly connecting the device to a digital camera. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera 1 is equipped with a color LCD4 and switched to an image reproduction mode by a RE key 8, then the photographed image is able to be watched by its frame-transfer. The digital camera 1 is directly connected to a printer 15 with a communication cable 14. A display screen is switched to a one-frame display or four-frame display or 9 frames display using an EASY key 18e of the printer 15, and those images are able to be transferred using a (-) key 18a and a (+) key 18b. The image under display is established using a SET key 18c and made transmitted by converting into a designated low resolution. The menu screen and cursor data are made transferred from the printer 15 using a MENU key 18f and made displayed on the color LCD 4. The patterns such as a scenery, postcard, calendar and mini-label selected from the menu are made composed with the established image, and the composite is made printed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs image printing by being connected to an image recording apparatus that stores and reproduces still images as digital image data.

  Conventionally, a printer has been used as a terminal device for printing data output from a host device such as a large computer, an office computer, or a personal computer.

  In recent years, multi-media has been developed among various electronic devices including personal computers. In particular, in addition to the realization of application software such as conventional databases, word processors, spreadsheets, etc., personal computers can reproduce still images such as photographs, video images such as TV images and karaokes by increasing memory and incorporating MPEG circuits and modems. Reproduction, communication functions such as the Internet, etc. can be easily realized.

  In recent years, digital cameras that can directly process a photograph taken by a personal computer are widely available on the market in place of conventional cameras. This allows digital images taken by a digital camera to be easily processed by a personal computer by incorporating dedicated software into the personal computer. For example, when printing a photographed image from a digital camera, the photographed image is captured from the digital camera to a personal computer, a printer is connected to the personal computer, an image (frame) is designated, and a color image can be easily printed. it can.

  As described above, an image captured by a digital camera can be printed by a conventional printing system. However, when an image captured from a digital camera is printed as described above, the image captured by the digital camera is once captured in a personal computer. In this case, printing processing must be performed by outputting the data to the printer apparatus using dedicated software processing. Therefore, a personal computer is indispensable for printing a photographed image of a digital camera. In addition, for a personal computer, software for capturing a captured image from a digital camera, image processing software for processing the captured image, and software for outputting the processed image to a printer are also required.

  If an image taken in this manner is pasted on an album or the like to be printed for storage, a digital camera, a personal computer, and a printer are required. At the same time, the operation was complicated, and no one could print easily and quickly.

  Of course, there is a method in which an image recorded in such a digital camera is directly transferred to a printer for printing. However, in a printer used in such a system, resolution conversion is required inside the printer, and an input device similar to that used for input operation from the host device described above is also required. In terms of price and installation area, it was not accepted by ordinary households as a consumer electronic device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a small, simple, and inexpensive printing apparatus that can directly connect to a digital camera and print a photographed image in a desired form without using a personal computer. is there.

The configuration of the printing apparatus of the present invention will be described below.
The printing apparatus of the present invention converts an image electrical signal photoelectrically converted based on an optical image photographed and linked by a lens device into a digital signal, stores the digital signal in an image memory as image data, Communication means for temporarily storing output in a display memory, displaying image data in the display memory on a display device, and transmitting / receiving control signals and the image data to / from an external device connected outside the device; A printing apparatus connected to an image recording apparatus for storing and reproducing still images as digital image data, the image transfer request signal being sent to the control means by the printing control means provided in the printing apparatus. The image transfer request signal is a resolution suitable for printing the image data stored in the image memory by a printing means provided in the printing apparatus. Includes a resolution conversion request signal for delivery, said printing means is arranged to print without performing the resolution conversion of the image data sent.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image transfer request signal includes a composite image transfer request signal for combining and printing a plurality of images on a sheet of paper, and the composite image transfer request signal includes the image transfer request signal. A composite image resolution conversion request signal for combining and sending image data of a plurality of images stored in the memory and designated for composite printing to a resolution suitable for printing by a printing unit provided in the printing apparatus, The printing means is configured to print the sent image data without converting the resolution.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 3 converts an image electrical signal photoelectrically converted based on an optical image photographed and connected by a lens device into a digital signal, stores the digital signal in an image memory as image data, and stores the image memory in the image memory. Is temporarily stored in the display memory, and the image data of the display memory is displayed on the display device, and the control signal and the image data are transmitted / received to / from an external device connected outside the device. And a control means for storing and reproducing still images as digital image data and connected to an image recording apparatus, wherein the print control means provided in the printing apparatus requests image transfer to the control means A resolution suitable for printing the image data stored in the image memory by the printing means provided in the printing apparatus. Either a first resolution conversion request signal to be transmitted in step S2 or a second resolution conversion request signal that requires resolution conversion when printing is performed by a printing unit provided in the printing apparatus. When receiving the image data based on the second resolution conversion request signal, the received image data is converted to a predetermined resolution, and the printing means is configured to print the image data converted to the predetermined resolution. The When sending the second resolution request signal, the print control means sends a designation signal for designating a plurality of image data to be printed simultaneously. Further, the predetermined resolution is, for example, the resolution of the thumbnail image.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, resolution conversion is performed by using an image processing function generally provided on the camera side from the outside, so that image data of a desired resolution is received from the camera. Therefore, it is possible to perform printing immediately, and therefore, it is possible to perform printing at high speed by designating image data to a desired resolution with a printing apparatus that does not have a resolution conversion function in its own apparatus. In addition, the circuit for resolution conversion can be omitted, and the entire apparatus can be further downsized accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inexpensive printing apparatus. In addition, since the image data after resolution conversion is received from the camera and printed, the image data can be transferred from the camera with a small amount of data corresponding to the low resolution when a low resolution is acceptable. Data transfer is possible, and therefore, a higher-speed printing process is possible, which is convenient. In addition, since image data for printing is temporarily stored in the state of image data immediately before printing after resolution conversion, even when a large amount of image data that is originally large in size is printed, it always has a capacity of one frame. Thus, the capacity of the expensive memory can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive printing apparatus in this aspect.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are external perspective views showing a state in which an electronic still camera (digital camera) and a printer (printing apparatus) are connected in an embodiment. FIG. The figure (b) shows the printer.

  In the present embodiment, the printing specifications (number of pixels, etc.) required by the printer are designated on the printer side, and after converting the image data (resolution conversion etc.) on the camera side based on this designation, The image data is transferred to the printer and printed on the printer side. For example, when printing image data from a digital camera that records a high-resolution frame image, When the printer prints an image of one frame on one printing surface, the printer instructs the camera to transfer high-resolution frame image data. 2. When the printer prints two or more frames on one printing surface, it instructs the camera to convert the high-resolution frame image data into the standard-resolution frame image data inside the camera and transfer it. Print at resolution. 3. In the case of index printing, the camera is instructed to convert high-resolution frame image data into thumbnail image data, and is transferred to low-capacity image data for printing. This configuration and operation will be described below.

    First, one digital camera 1 comprises a camera body 2 and a lens unit 3 as shown in FIG. In the camera main body 2, the operation mechanism portion is concentrated on the upper surface and the rear surface (front side in the figure), and nothing is arranged on the front surface (the other side in the figure) other than marks and exterior patterns.

  On the rear surface of the camera body 2, a viewfinder 4 made of a large color LCD is disposed at the center, and a plurality of slide switches are disposed in the vicinity thereof. First, a power switch 5 is arranged on the upper right side of the viewfinder 4, and a mode changeover switch 6 for switching the operation mode between the image photographing mode (RE) and the image reproduction mode (PL) is arranged on the upper right side. . On the upper surface of the camera body 2, a shutter button 9, a “+” key 11 for recalling and viewing captured and recorded images, and a “−” key for returning to the previous image. 12 is disposed, and a communication terminal 13 is disposed near the front surface in the vicinity thereof. A plug at one end of the communication cable 14 is inserted into the communication terminal 13.

  The lens unit 3 is provided with a lens on the front surface (it cannot be seen because it is on the other side in FIG. 1 (a)). The lens unit 3 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the camera body 2 and is rotated 90 ° in the direction of arrow A in the figure and 180 ° in the direction of arrow B in the figure. When the lens is turned 180 ° in the direction of arrow B and the lens is turned to the back, the lens position is reversed, but the posture of this lens is detected by the internal circuit, and the image being shot is automatically corrected to an upright image. Displayed on the screen.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the other printer 15 has an insertion slot for inserting the recording paper P into the front surface (front side of the figure) of the main body and a discharge for discharging the printed recording paper P. A sheet insertion / discharge port 16 that also serves as an outlet is provided. The operation panel 17 is formed with the upper surface of the main body portion inclined forward slightly, and seven operation buttons 18 (“−” key 18 a and “+” key 18 b) are formed on the operation panel 17. , "SET" key 18c, "POWER" key 18d, "EASY" key 18e, "MENU" key 18f, "BACK" key 18g) and communication terminal 19 are provided. A plug at the other end of the communication cable 14 is inserted into the communication terminal 19.

  2A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 15. FIG. In the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 1A, a timing generator 20 generates a timing signal for controlling a drive circuit (driver 22) for driving the CCD 21. The driver 22 drives the CCD 21 based on the timing signal from the timing generator 20. The CCD 21 converts the image signal into an analog electric signal and outputs it through the amplifier 23.

  The A / D converter 24 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The DRAM 25 temporarily stores the captured digital image signal. The compression / decompression unit 26 performs compression / decompression processing by encoding / decoding the captured digital image signal. The image memory 27 is a flash memory that stores a compressed image signal.

  The ROM 28 stores a program for controlling the digital camera 1. The RAM 29 temporarily stores intermediate data for arithmetic processing for control. The CPU 30 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 28, uses the work area of the RAM 29, and a printer that is input via an input operation signal of each operation key input from the key input unit 31 or the I / O port 38. Each unit is controlled based on a control signal from 15.

  The video signal generation unit 32 generates a digital video signal by adding a synchronization signal or the like to the digital image signal. The VRAM 33 is a memory that stores a digital video signal. The D / A converter 34 converts the digital video signal output from the video signal generator into an analog video signal. A color LCD (liquid crystal display device) 35 drives the liquid crystal based on an analog video signal input from the D / A converter 34 via the amplifier 36 to display an image. The CG 37 stores numerical data and cursor data for displaying the image data of the image memory 27 on the color LCD 35. The I / O port 38 is an interface that inputs and outputs an image signal, a control signal, and the like converted into a serial signal.

  Briefly describing these operations, when storing a photographed image, the shutter button 9 is repeatedly operated so that the CPU 30 generates an image capture signal in the timing generator 20 and the CCD 21 receives the photographed image signal. Captured and temporarily stored in the DRAM 25. The photographed image signal from the CCD 21 stored in the DRAM 25 passes through the color filter of the CCD 21 and has, for example, color components such as Ye, Cy, and Gr. Luminance signal generation processing and color signal generation processing are performed on the captured image signal stored in the DRAM 25 to generate a luminance signal and a color signal. The luminance signal and the color signal are transferred to the compression / decompression unit 26 to compress the luminance signal and the color signal and store them in the image memory 27.

  Next, when the stored image is reproduced, the mode changeover switch 6 is switched to the reproduction side (PL), so that the CPU 30 receives a predetermined compressed image signal (compressed luminance signal and color signal) from the image memory 27. Is transferred to the compression / expansion unit 26, and a digital image signal composed of the luminance signal and the color signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 26 is transferred to the video signal generation unit 32. The video signal generator 32 adds a synchronization signal to the digital image signal to generate a digital video signal, writes the digital video signal once in the VRAM 33, and outputs the written digital video signal through the D / A converter 34 and the amplifier 36. The image is sent to the LCD 35 and displayed on the color LCD 35.

  On the other hand, the printer 15 shown in FIG. 2B includes a CPU 40, an image memory 41 connected to the CPU 40 via a bus 49, an expansion unit 42, a selection unit 43, a key input unit 44, an I / O unit 45, A ROM 46, a color printer unit 47, a RAM 48, and the like are provided. The I / O unit 45 includes a circuit having a serial communication function (generally built in an LSI of a one-chip CPU), and transmits / receives data to / from the outside.

  The key input unit 44 is connected to a general-purpose port of the CPU 40, and outputs operation signals of the seven operation keys 18a to 18g of the operation panel 17 shown in FIG. Each unit is controlled by the CPU 40 based on the operation signal. The functions of these operation keys 18a to 18g will be described later. Based on the image data displayed on the viewfinder 4 and the operation signals of the above-described operation keys 18a to 18g, the selection unit 43 stores each program in the ROM 46 described later, each image data (compressed display data, background data), CG Select (Character Generator).

  The decompressing unit 42 is a circuit that decompresses compressed image data composed of a luminance signal and a color signal transferred from the camera 1 for printing based on a well-known MPEG standard. The image memory 41 is a memory that stores image data decompressed by the decompression unit 42.

  The RAM 48 is a work area for arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 40 and three colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) converted from image data composed of luminance signals and color signals stored in the image memory 41. An area for storing the print data, an ornamental data such as background data stored in the ROM 46 and an image composition area for performing image composition work, a data storage area set by the CPU 40, and the like. Yes.

  The color printer unit 47 is a printer engine unit, and although not particularly shown, a motor driver for driving a DC motor and a stepping motor, a print head, and various sensors are connected thereto. The sensor is composed of an optical sensor, a mechanical contact type sensor, and the like, and is an apparatus for detecting the position of ink ribbons of three colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) for color printing and printing. Detection of the paper inserted into the inside is performed.

  The DC motor includes a head motor and a ribbon motor. The head motor moves the print head to a printing position and a non-printing position. At the printing position, the print head is pressed against the paper via the ink ribbon. The ribbon motor conveys the ink ribbon and sequentially feeds the ink portions of yellow, magenta, and cyan to the print head and the paper pressing portion. The stepping motor moves the paper in the sub scanning direction line by line. The print head is composed of 960 heating elements each having a density of 300 dpi (dots / inch) on a ceramic plate, and a driver IC for individually turning on / off them. Under the control of the CPU 40, the color printer unit 47 turns on a heating element at a position to be printed based on the image data in the RAM 48 for a predetermined time at a printing timing for each line to generate a predetermined amount of heat. The ink is transmitted to the ink ribbon, and ink of a predetermined color is transferred to the paper.

  The ROM 46 stores a program area in which operation programs such as communication processing, printing processing, calendar generation processing, and print data generation by the CPU 40 are stored, and display on the viewfinder 4 of the camera 1 such as compressed display data, background data, and CG. And an image data area in which image data necessary for printing by the printer 15 is stored.

  3 shows the display state of the initial screen displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the camera 1 when the digital camera 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as camera 1) and the printer 15 are connected as shown in FIG. Show. In this case, first, the power switch 5 of the camera 1 is operated to turn on the power, and the mode selector switch 6 is further operated to the PL side to set the image reproduction mode, and the “POWER” key 18d of the printer 15 is pressed to turn on the power. Turn on.

  When the printer 15 is turned on by the “POWER” key 18d, the initial screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. The initial screen in FIG. 5 is an initial menu display. Since there are a plurality of types of menu displays as described later, this initial menu will be referred to as a top menu (TOP-MENU). Hereinafter, the display state of the viewfinder 4 that changes based on the operation of the operation keys 18a to 18g on the printer 15 side from the top menu will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the top menu, an English letter “MENU” is displayed above, and a total of six icons are displayed below the top menu in two rows. An English character “LAYOUT” is drawn below the icon 51 at the head position (upper left corner). In the clockwise direction, the icon 52 has an English letter “CALENDAR”, the icon 53 has an English letter “MINI”, the icon 54 has an English letter “POSTCARD”, the icon 55 has an English letter “COLAGE”, an icon 56, the English letters “INDEX” are respectively drawn. A cursor 57 is displayed below the English characters of the first “LAYOUT” icon 51. That is, in the initial display of the top menu, the “LAYOUT” icon 51 at the head position is selected. There are two types of cameras: a type having a function that can generate character data to be displayed on the screen inside the camera, and a type that is not. Therefore, the printer 15 recognizes the model of the camera 1 when connected to the camera 1. For the former type of camera 1 that can generate character data such as characters and cursors by itself, the above-mentioned alphabetic characters, the character code corresponding to the cursor, and data for specifying the display position (address) are obtained. Transfer to the camera 1 side, generate the above-mentioned alphabet and cursor image data (bitmap data) on the camera 1 side, and transfer the image data from the printer 15 side as image data along with a top menu screen including icons 51 to 56. It is displayed on the viewfinder 4. For the latter type of camera 1, image data of the top menu screen including icons 51 to 56 is transferred from the printer 15 side to the camera 1 side, and English characters and cursors stored in advance on the printer 15 side are transferred. Are generated and transferred together with their addresses.

  When selecting an icon on the top menu screen, the “+” key 18b can be input (pressed) to switch the selection in the clockwise direction to the icon 52, icon 53, icon 54,. The cursor 57 is moved under the English letter of the icon. Further, when the “−” key 18a is input, the selection can be sequentially switched in the counterclockwise direction. Also in this case, the cursor 57 moves below the English character of the selected icon. As described above, when one of the “+” key 18 a and the “−” key 18 b is input, a function of the printer 15 such as menu selection or page switching described later is selected or a function of the digital camera is selected. Is controlled.

  When the “SET” key 18 c is input at the time when a desired icon is selected from the above top menu, the processing mode of the selected icon can be shifted. In this way, the “SET” key 18c is a confirmation key, and when this is input, the function, image, etc. selected by the “EASY” key 18e, the “+” key 18a or the “−” key 18b are confirmed. The operation mode shifts to the next operation mode.

  The “MENU” key 18f always has a function of immediately shifting to the top menu display mode of FIG. Therefore, while the top menu is being displayed, the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f is invalid.

  Further, the operation may be ignored because the input operation of the “BACK” key 18g is also invalid. After selecting and determining each mode and each operation, the “BACK” key 18g becomes effective only when an input operation is performed. This input operation cancels the previous selection / determination.

  When the “EASY” key 18e is input while the top menu is being displayed (MENU environment), the “easy print mode” is switched regardless of the selection of the icon. In this “easy print mode”, it is possible to quickly switch the display screen in which the captured reproduced image displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 is printed as it is or in which a plurality of frames are displayed. This “easy print mode” operation is the basic operation of the printer 15. In the “easy print mode”, the “EASY” key 18e has a function of switching the number of divisions for reproduction display of the captured image from 1 → 4 → 9 → 1. This display screen will be described below.

  FIGS. 4A to 4F show examples of displays that change depending on the input operation of the “EASY” key 18e, the “−” key 18a, or the “+” key 18b during the “easy print mode”. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the “easy print mode” is switched, the first photographed image (hereinafter simply referred to as an image) is displayed. Here, when the “+” key 18b is input, the screen is switched to the second image as shown in FIG. 4D. Thereafter, every time the “+” key 18b is input, the third image and the fourth image are displayed. The display is sequentially switched to the last photographed image, and the last image is switched to the first image again. When the "-" key 18a is input during the operation, the previous image is switched. Then, the first image in FIG. 5A is switched to the last image.

  In the case of the first image in FIG. 6A, when the “EASY” key 18e is input, the screen is divided into four as shown in FIG. 5B, and the first to fourth images are displayed on one screen. Is done. When the “+” key 18b is input, the next four images, that is, the fifth image to the eighth image are displayed on one screen as shown in FIG. Thereafter, each time the “+” key 18b is input, the next four images are sequentially displayed. When the last image is less than 4, the shortage frame is displayed in gray on one side.

  In addition, when the “EASY” key 18e is further input when the display shown in FIG. 5B is displayed, the screen is divided into nine as shown in FIG. 5C, and the first to ninth screens are displayed as one screen. Is displayed. Again, when the “+” key 18b is input, the next nine images, that is, the tenth to eighteenth images are displayed on one screen as shown in FIG. Thereafter, every time the “+” key 18b is input, the next nine images are sequentially displayed. When the last image is less than nine, the shortage frame is displayed in gray. When the “EASY” key 18e is operated for input in FIG. 8C, the display in FIG.

  As described above, in the input operation of the “EASY” key 18e, the screen display frame circulates into 1 division, 4 divisions, 9 divisions, and 1 division again, and the division number (frame division number) of the screen is switched. When the “+” key 18b is input, the next image display is sequentially switched while keeping the same divided screen, and when the “−” key 18a is input, the same divided screen is switched to the previous display screen. Then, if the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / discharge port 16 (see FIG. 1) in a desired screen display state, the screen displayed at that time is printed as it is.

Next, FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing examples of screen switching by the “EASY” key 18e following the above in the “easy print mode”. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the “+” key 18b is further input in FIG. 4D and the display is switched to the third image. In FIG. 5 (a), every time the “EASY” key 18e is input, the screen division is cyclically switched to 4 divisions, 9 divisions, and 1 division again as described above. From the third image to the sixth image are displayed as shown in FIG. 4, and from the third image to the eleventh image are displayed in nine divisions as shown in FIG. In this way, in the display to be switched, the image that has always been displayed in one division (the third image in this example) is displayed with the head position. FIGS. 6A to 6E are diagrams showing examples of screen switching by the “−” key 18 a and the “+” key 18 b following the above in the “simple printing mode”. FIG. 5C shows the display state of FIG. 5B again. However, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e), it is assumed that only nine captured images are recorded (stored). In FIG. 6 (c), when the “+” key 18b is input, four images from the image (seventh image) following the sixth image, which is the last image displayed in FIG. 6 (c), are displayed. In order to display an image, the display screen is switched as shown in FIG. Since there are nine captured images in total, the last frame of the frame division screen having no image corresponding to the display is displayed in gray (indicated by “x” in the figure). If the “+” key 18b is further input from here, there is no image with a larger shooting number, so that the operation returns to the beginning, and the first to fourth images are displayed as shown in FIG. Displayed on one screen. Subsequent key operations change based on the display screen of (e) of the figure, not (c) of the figure. That is, when the “+” key 18b is further input in FIG. 5E, the four images (the fifth to fifth images) following the last display image (the fourth image) are not shown. The eighth image) is displayed.

  Further, in the display state shown in FIG. 10C, when the “−” key 18a is input, the image before the third image (the second image) which is the first image in the display shown in FIG. In order to display the previous four images including (image), the display screen is switched as shown in FIG. Since the previous four images including the second image are the first and second images, in this case, as shown in FIG. An image is displayed on one screen. In this case as well, the subsequent key operations change based on the display screen of FIG. That is, when the "-" key 18a is further input, the display screen is switched to display the last four captured images in the reverse direction from the first image, but the display shown in FIG. When the frame-by-frame image display is sequentially assigned every four frames on the basis of the screen, the first to fourth images and the fifth to eighth images are obtained, and the rest are only the ninth image. Therefore, as shown in (a) in the figure, the ninth image is displayed in the first frame frame of the 4-frame division, and the remaining three frame frames are grayed out (indicated by “x” marks). Done. Then, when the “−” key 18a is further input in FIG. 6A, this is not shown in the figure, but the four images (5) in front of the first display image (the ninth image) are displayed. Th to eighth images) are displayed.

  FIGS. 7A to 7E are diagrams showing other examples of screen switching by the “−” key 18 a and the “+” key 18 b in the “simple printing mode”. FIG. 5C shows the display state of FIG. 5C again. However, in the example shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E, description will be made assuming that 15 images have been taken.

In the display state shown in FIG. 7 (c), when the "-" key 18a is input, the image before the third image (second image) which is the first image in the display of FIG. 7 (c). The display screen is switched to display the previous nine images including. And since the previous image including the second image is only the first and second images and not nine, in this case, as shown in FIG. Up to nine images are displayed on one screen. In the subsequent key operations, the display screen shown in FIG. 7B changes based on the display screen instead of FIG. That is, when the “−” key 18a is further input, the display screen is switched to display the last nine captured images in the reverse direction from the first image. Then, if the frame-by-frame image display is sequentially assigned every nine frames based on the display screen of FIG. 10B, the first to ninth image display must be the 10th to 18th image display. Although the remaining number is up to the 15th, as shown in FIG. 5A, the 10th to 15th images are displayed in the first 6 frames of the 9 frame division, and the remaining 3 frame frames. Is displayed in gray (indicated by a “x” mark). Then, when the "-" key 18a is further input in FIG. 9A, the nine images (first to ninth images, ie, the first display image (the tenth image)) in front of the head display image (the tenth image) b) is displayed.

Also, in FIG. 7C, when the “+” key 18b is input, the 9th image from the image (12th image) following the 11th image, which is the last image displayed in FIG. 7C, is displayed. The display screen is switched to display one image. Since there are a total of 15 captured images, as shown in (d) in the figure, the five frames that are divided into frames that do not have a display image are displayed in gray (indicated by “x” marks). Is done. If the “+” key 18b is further input from here, there is no image with a larger shooting number, and the process returns to the beginning. As shown in FIG. Displayed on one screen. Subsequent key operations change based on the display screen of (e) of the figure, not (c) of the figure. That is, when the “+” key 18b is further input in FIG. 9E, the next nine images (the tenth to fifteenth images and the three images) of the last display image (the ninth image) are displayed. A gray frame, that is, the display shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the “easy print mode”, the display changes depending on the input operation of the “EASY” key 18e, the “−” key 18a, or the “+” key 18b, but the “SET” key 18c is pressed during any screen display. When an input operation is performed, the displayed screen is fixed and the mode is shifted to the print mode. Then, by inserting the printing paper P from the paper insertion / discharge port 16, the screen displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 is printed as it is.

Also, the above selection method can be used not for directly printing but for selecting and confirming a desired single frame image. For example, if there are 100 captured images, searching the display screen one frame at a time requires up to 99 operations of the “+” key 18b, which takes time. At this time, if the display screen is sent by the “+” key 18b on the screen of 9 frames shown in FIG. 4C, all the images can be sequentially displayed by the key operation within 10 times. When the “EASY” key 18e is operated on the nine-frame display screen containing the desired image, the single-frame display screen shown in FIG. 4 (a) is displayed, and the image at the top of the nine-frame display is displayed. Accordingly, a desired image can be displayed on a single frame from this image by a feed operation within eight times by the “+” key 18b. At this time, if the "SET" key 18c is input,
The frame display image is confirmed.

  Next, the “LAYOUT” icon 51, the “CALENDAR” icon 52, the “MINI” icon 53, the “POSTCARD” icon 54, the “COLLAGE” icon 55, and the “INDEX” icon 56 displayed on the top menu of FIG. The six print menus will be described.

First, the “LAYOUT” icon 51 has a function of performing background printing. When this icon is selected, the background can be combined with the image determined as described above and printed. Next, the “CALENDAR” icon 52 has a function of performing calendar printing. When this icon is selected, a desktop calendar with images can be printed. The “MINI” icon 53 has a function of performing mini-label printing, and when this icon is selected, 16 small-sized identical images to be pasted on the shoulders of business cards can be printed with arbitrary border decorations. The “POSTCARD” icon 54 has a function of printing a post force card. When this icon is selected, a postcard with an image for a New Year's card or the like can be printed. The “COLLAGE” icon 55 has a function of performing illustration composite printing. When this icon is selected, a frame decoration can be combined with a confirmed image and printed. The “INDEX” icon 56 has a function of printing a list. When this icon is selected, all images taken by the camera 1 can be printed in a list.

  The selection of these print functions is confirmed by moving the cursor under the alphabetic character of the target icon on the top menu using the “−” key 18 a or the “+” key 18 b and inputting the “SET” key 18 c. .

  FIG. 8A shows an initial screen when the “LAYOUT” icon 51 is selected, and icons indicating six types of image layout styles from No. 1 to No. 6 are displayed. Although not shown in the figure at the initial stage, a cursor is displayed under the first icon. No. 1 is a layout of one image, No. 2 is a layout in which a single image is placed sideways and multiple images are superimposed on the back, and No. 3 is a single image vertically with multiple images behind A layout that makes the images appear to overlap, No. 4 is a layout in which two images, a small image and a large image, are arranged diagonally up and down, No. 5 is a layout in which two vertical images are arranged side by side, No. 6 represents a layout in which two horizontal images are arranged vertically. Also in this case, the title “LAYOUT 1/3”, the icon numbers “1” to “6”, and the cursor are transferred from the printer 15 as a character code for a camera having a function of displaying characters and cursors. For cameras that do not have a cursor display function, bitmap data stored in advance is transferred from the printer 15.

  When these icons are selected using, for example, the “+” key 18b, each time the “+” key 18b is input, the display of the cursor is sequentially moved from the second icon to the sixth icon, and the icon is changed. Selected. If the “+” key 18b is further input while the No. 6 icon is selected, the display changes to the display of FIG. 5B, and a cursor is displayed under the No. 7 icon at the head position. No. 7 represents a layout in which horizontal images of the same size are arranged in a triangle on the top and bottom two. For example, No. 12 represents a layout in which four horizontal images are arranged vertically and horizontally in a square shape. In this case as well, the "+" key 18b continues to be input and the selection is sequentially advanced. If the "+" key 18b is further input with the last 12th icon, the display changes to the display shown in FIG. A cursor appears below the number icon.

  No. 13 also represents a layout in which four horizontal images are arranged in a square shape vertically and horizontally, but the adjacent images do not adhere to each other as in the above No. 12 and represent a layout arranged with a slight interval. ing. Further, for example, No. 17 represents a layout in which nine horizontal images are arranged in close contact with each other vertically, and No. 18 represents a layout in which nine horizontal images are arranged with a slight gap in the vertical and horizontal directions. After the display in FIG. 6C, when the “+” key 18b is input, the display returns to the display in FIG. That is, the printer 15 has a total of 18 types of image layout styles from (a) to (c). In the input operation of the “−” key 18a, the selected icon and the display screen move in the reverse direction.

Note that the layouts Nos. 1, 2, 3, 12, and 17 cannot be set for the background described later, and the backgrounds can be set for the other layouts.
When the icon representing the layout is selected by the “+” key 18b or the “−” key 18a and the selection is confirmed by the “SET” key 18c, the layouts No. 1, 2, 3, 12, 17 are selected. The screen is further switched to a display screen for selecting a background around the arrangement image in the layout except for.

  FIG. 9 shows four display screens for selecting a background to be combined with the selected image. As shown in the figure, this display screen displays six types of backgrounds on one screen as image icons in which the background pattern is compressed as it is, and sequentially displays a total of four screens and 24 types of backgrounds. One background can be selected and confirmed from these 24 types of backgrounds. The display moving method of these screens and the method of selecting and confirming the displayed icon are the same as in the case of FIG. After this confirmation, a desired image is selected and confirmed. By repeating this operation, images and backgrounds are confirmed for all display frames of the layout selected and confirmed, and then printing is started when a sheet is inserted.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a display screen when the “CALENDAR” icon 52 is selected in the top menu. In this calendar printing mode, calendars in four formats can be printed. The number 1 icon on the display screen shown in the figure is an icon representing a format in which a calendar is overlaid and printed on the right half of an image arranged on the entire horizontal screen. The upper part of FIG. 11 shows an example of calendar printing created when this icon is selected. The second icon on the display screen shown in FIG. 10 is an icon representing a format in which a vertical image is arranged on the left half of one horizontal screen and a calendar is arranged on the right half for printing. The center of FIG. 11 shows an example of calendar printing created when this icon is selected. The third icon on the display screen shown in FIG. 10 is an icon representing a format in which a horizontal image is arranged in the upper half of one vertical screen and a calendar is arranged in the lower half. The lower part of FIG. 11 shows an example of calendar printing created when this icon is selected. The number 4 icon on the display screen shown in FIG. 10 divides the horizontal screen into two parts, an image is placed on the upper half on the left side, a calendar is placed on the lower half, and a calendar for the next month is placed on the upper half on the right side. The icon represents the format in which an image is arranged in the lower half and printed. The method for selecting and confirming these icons and the image capturing are the same as those for selecting and confirming an icon from the other menu display described above, and then selecting and confirming and capturing the image.

FIG. 12A shows two display screens that are overlapped when the “MINI” icon 53 is selected in the top menu. In this display screen, as shown in the figure, the border pattern of the image is used as it is as an image icon, six kinds of border pattern icons are displayed on one screen, and a total of twelve kinds of border pattern icons are displayed on two screens. Is displayed. One icon (border pattern) can be selected from these 12 types of icons (border pattern). The display moving method of these screens and the method of selecting and confirming the displayed icon are the same as in the case of FIG. After this confirmation, if you select and confirm any image as described above, as shown in Figure (b), for example, 16 small-sized identical images (in this case, normal face photos) to be pasted on the shoulder of a business card Is displayed with the selected border decoration pattern. Thereafter, printing is started when a sheet is inserted. Of course, it is possible to print 16 sheets of face photos without border patterns.

  FIG. 13A shows two display screens that are overlapped when the “POST CARD” icon 54 is selected in the top menu. In this display screen, as shown in the figure, patterns symbolizing various festivals are displayed as image icons in four types on one screen and a total of eight types of images on two screens. One pattern can be selected from these eight patterns. The display moving method of these screens and the method of selecting and confirming the displayed icon are the same as in the case of FIG. After the confirmation, as described above, an arbitrary image is selected and confirmed, and when a sheet is inserted, a composite image in which the image is inserted into the white portion at the center of the selected picture is printed.

  FIG. 13B shows the display screen when the “COLLARGE” icon 55 is selected in the top menu. In this display screen, four types of frame patterns (frame decorations) are displayed as image icons on one screen as shown in FIG. When No. 1 is selected, the confirmed image is combined (inserted) into the floral frame decoration. When No. 2 is selected, the three confirmed images are combined in the three frames of the film. When No. 3 is selected, a poster-like image is printed that is combined with an image in which the decoration character “Cute” at the left end and the frame decoration at the upper end are determined. Also, if you select No. 4 and confirm the appropriate face photo as an image, the face photo is synthesized in a framed pattern with “WANTED” overwritten at the top, and it looks like a poster for searching for criminals in western plays The image is printed.

  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C show examples of screen display when the “INDEX” icon 56 is selected in the top menu. Figure (a) shows that when the number of captured images is 4 or less, the screen is automatically displayed in a four-frame display. Figure (b) shows that 5 to 9 images have been captured. In some cases, the screen is automatically displayed in nine frames. When the number of captured images is 10 or more, as shown in FIG. 5C, a 10-frame × 10-frame 100-frame display screen is displayed vertically and horizontally, and all images are displayed as a list. Thumbnail image data (image data composed of 36 dots × 52 dots) is used for the 100-frame display.

  Next, the operation of the printer 15 having the above-described configuration and functions will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 23 and the screen display examples shown in FIGS. 24 (a), 24 (b), and 24 (c). This process is performed by the CPU 40 of the printer 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 controlling each part of the printer 15 and the digital camera 1. This process is started by connecting the communication terminal 13 of the digital camera 1 and the communication terminal 19 of the printer 15 with the communication cable 14 and turning on the power of both.

  First, in the general flowchart of image display and printing processing shown in FIG. 15, it is first determined whether or not a connection signal from the digital camera 1 is input (step S1). If it has not been input (S1 is N), the determination is repeated until it is input.

  If the connection signal is input (S1 is Y), the model of the digital camera 1 is confirmed based on this (step S2). In this process, the digital camera 1 is a digital camera having a function of displaying characters on the screen (a function of generating image data of the character data described above) based on a signal indicating the ID number of the CPU 30 output from the digital camera 1. Determine whether the digital camera has no display function or model.

  Subsequently, the top menu is displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the camera 1 as shown in FIG. 3 (step S3). In this process, the display data of the top menu is read from a predetermined address in the compressed display data area of the ROM 46, transferred to the digital camera 1, and the English character data to be added to the title English characters and the respective icons are recognized. A display address is added in the form of a character code or bitmap data according to the model being used and transferred to the digital camera 1. Then, it waits for key input from the key input unit 44 (step S4).

  When the “MENU” key 18f or the “BACK” key 18g is input by this key input, the determination in step S4 is repeated. That is, here, the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f or the “BACK” key 18g is ignored in any case.

  Here, when the “EASY” key 18e is pressed, the process shifts to the simple print mode and starts the EASY process (step S5). In this EASY process, first, an instruction signal is output to the digital camera 1 so as to display the first image (step S6). As a result, the first image among the images photographed and stored in the digital camera 1 is displayed on the viewfinder 4 as shown in FIG. 4A, for example. Subsequently, the key input from the key input unit 44 is waited (step S7). When the “MENU” key 18f is input by this key input, the process returns to step S3. When the “BACK” key 18g is input, step S7 is repeated. That is, the input operation of the “BACK” key 18g is ignored here.

  On the other hand, when the “EASY” key 18e is input, a multi-screen (multi-frame display screen) display command is output to the digital camera 1 (step S8). As a result, the multi-screen display function of the digital camera 1 initially displays four images from the beginning on the viewfinder 4 as shown in FIG.

  Following the above display, the process returns to step S7 again to wait for key input, and if the "EASY" key 18e is operated, a display command for a multi-screen (multiple frame display screen) is issued again at step S8. Repeat the output to the digital camera 1. As a result, by the second and subsequent operations of the “EASY” key 18e, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), FIG. 4 (a), FIG. Changes as shown in 5 (a), (b), (c).

  If the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a is pressed by the key input in step S7, a frame advance / frame return command is output to the digital camera 1 (step S9), and step S7 is performed again. Return to, and wait for key input. 4A, 4B, 6C, 6A, 6B, 6D, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E, 6E As shown in FIGS. 7 (a), (b) or (d), (e), the display screen is switched to the higher or lower photographing number with the same number of display frames.

  In this way, when it is determined in step S7 that the “SET” key 18c has been pressed in the desired screen display, a print image confirmation process is performed (step S10). In this process, an instruction signal is output from the CPU 40 of the printer 15 to the digital camera 1 to transfer the digital image data of the image currently displayed on the viewfinder 4 to the printer 15. As a result, the digital camera 1 reads the image data corresponding to the image being displayed from the stored image data and transfers it to the printer 15.

  In the digital camera 1 connected here, the number of pixels of the CCD 22 is 250,000 pixels, 300,000 pixels, 350,000 pixels, and the like. On the other hand, the printer 15 prints, for example, 480 dots in the main scanning direction and 640 dots in the sub-scanning direction. In other words, the number of printing pixels of the printer 15 is 480 × 640 = 307200 dots (about 300,000 dots). When the digital camera 1 transfers an image to the printer 15, resolution data that can be printed without changing the number of dots (resolution) of the image received by the printer 15 is most preferable.

  When the digital camera 1 having 250,000 pixels is connected, the data of 250,000 pixels is changed to about 300,000 dots, which is the number of printing pixels of the printer 15, that is, the data is interpolated and transmitted. When a digital camera 1 with 350,000 pixels is connected, processing such as thinning out data may be performed to change the number of print pixels of the printer 15 to about 300,000 dots and transmit the data. If the number of printing pixels of the printer 15 is different from 480 × 640 = 307200 dots, the printer 15 may perform processing suitable for the number of printing pixels and send it out.

  The printer 15 temporarily stores the transferred compressed image data in the image memory 41, further decompresses it by the decompression unit 42, creates print data for each color Y, M, and C by a print data creation program of the ROM 46, and creates a bitmap pattern. Is stored in the print data storage area of the RAM 48. The storage area may store Y, M, and C color print data for each page, but each Y, M, and C color print data for each page is printed one page at a time. It may be created and stored.

  Following the above, the process shifts to a processing mode of print processing. First, the printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of the printing process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, in the printing process, it is first determined whether or not the paper P has been inserted into the paper insertion / discharge port 16 (step S21). If the paper P is not inserted (N in S21), it is determined whether or not there is a key input from the key input unit 44 (Step S22). If there is no key input (N in S22), the step is again performed. The determination is repeated by cycling through steps S21 and S22 so as to return to S21.

  In step S21, when the insertion of the paper P is detected by the sensor (S21 is Y), the printing process is executed (step S23). In this process, although not specifically shown, the CPU 40 applies the gradation of the print image to the print head for each color and each main scanning line based on the print data stored in the print data storage area of the RAM 48. Proportional heat generation control data is output, and simultaneously the paper feed motor is driven to perform thermal transfer printing on the paper P. As a result, the simple printing described in FIGS. 4 to 7 is performed.

  Then, when the sensor recognizes that the paper P has been discharged from the paper insertion / discharge port 16 and confirms the end of printing (step S24 and determination is Y), the process returns to step S21, and the above-described steps S21 and The cyclic discrimination process of S22 is repeated. When a key input is recognized in step S22 (Y in S22), the process proceeds to the process based on the key input. Thus, in this print processing mode, it is possible to shift to another processing mode by key input before starting printing, as well as after printing is finished. In other words, this allows the image selected to be printed by the “EASY” key 18e in the processing mode of FIG.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, when the key input is recognized in step S22, it is first determined whether or not the input operation is for the "BACK" key 18g (step S25), and the "BACK" key 18g is If an input operation has been performed, an instruction signal is output to the digital camera 1 so as to display the previous image reproduction screen (step S26), and the process returns to step S7 in FIG. As a result, the image reproduction screen of the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 returns to the previous display screen, and the next key input is awaited.

If the input operation of the “BACK” key 18g is not performed in step S25 (N in S25), it is determined whether the input operation is the “MENU” key 18f (step S27), and the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f is determined. If (S27 is Y), the process returns to step S3 in FIG. As a result, the top menu of FIG. 3 is displayed again on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1. That is, this makes it possible to perform other processing shown in the top menu on the image selected and confirmed to be printed.

  If the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f is not performed in step S27 (N in S27), it is determined whether the operation is the input operation of the “EASY” key 18e (step 28), and the “EASY” key 18e is pressed. If it is an input operation (Y in S28), the process returns to step S8 in FIG. Thereby, the EASY process is resumed.

  If the key input detected in step S22 is not an input operation of the “BACK” key 18g, the “MENU” key 18f, or the “EASY” key 18e, the cyclic determination in steps S21 and S22 is repeated. That is, in this print processing mode, key inputs other than the “BACK” key 18g, the “MENU” key 18f, and the “EASY” key 18e are ignored.

  Returning to FIG. 15 again, if the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a is input through the key input in step S4, a cursor movement process is performed (step S12), and the process returns to step S4. In step S12, the cursor movement process is performed based on the cursor position currently displayed and the input operation of the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a. This is a process for transmitting white display data to the cursor position that has been transmitted up to the present time.

  If the “SET” key 18c is input through the key input in step S4, the process proceeds to various print processing modes indicated by the icon selected by the cursor (step S13). As a result, layout / background printing processing, calendar printing processing, card (postcard) printing processing, mini label printing processing, illustration composition (collage) printing processing, or image list (index) printing processing is executed.

  In each of the above processes, among the display processes described below, in the display process other than the image display process, that is, in the menu display process, the display image data is digitally transmitted from the printer 15 as described above. The image is transferred (transmitted) to the camera 1 and displayed.

  17 is a flowchart of the layout / background printing process, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the calendar printing process, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the mini label printing process, FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the card (postcard) printing process, and FIG. It is a flowchart of an index printing process. Note that the illustration composition (collage) printing process is almost the same as the card (picture postcard) printing process, and therefore the flowchart and description of the process are omitted.

  First, the layout / background printing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 will be described. In this process, a layout selection screen display process is first performed (step S31). This process is a process for performing the display shown in FIG. Following this process, key input from the key input unit 44 is awaited (step S32).

  If the key input is the “EASY” key 18e, the process immediately proceeds to step S8 in FIG. If it is an input operation of the “MENU” key 18f, the process immediately proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If the input operation is the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a, a cursor (not shown) is moved and displayed (step S35), and the process returns to step S32 to wait for the next key input. The cursor movement process is the same as the process in step S12 of FIG. When the input operation of the “+” key 18b is repeated in steps S32 and S35, the display process in FIG. 8B and the display process in FIG. 8C are performed.

  Also, if there is an input operation of the “BACK” key 18g in the above step S32, first, it is determined whether or not the first screen (first screen) of the eye-out / background printing process shown in FIG. If it is determined (step S33) and it is the first screen (S33 is Y), the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. That is, the process returns to the previous screen display process. On the other hand, when the display of FIG. 8B or the display of FIG. 8C is being performed, the previous menu screen is displayed (step S34), and the process returns to step S32. In this way, an arbitrary icon can be selected from a total of 18 types of icons on the menu screens of FIGS. 8A to 8C to determine the layout style.

  When the “SET” key 18c is input in step S32 when the desired layout is selected, the layout of the icon selected by the cursor position is stored in the RAM 48 (step S36). Then, it is determined whether or not a background layout is selected (step S37).

  If it is determined in step S37 that a background layout has been selected (Y in S37), a background selection screen is displayed (step S38), and key input is waited for (step S39). The above display is a display of the menu screen (background selection screen) by the background icon shown in FIG.

  In step S38, also in this case, if the input operation of the “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 of FIG. 15, and if the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. 15, and the “+” key 18b or If it is an input operation of the “−” key 18a, the cursor is moved and displayed (step S42), and the process returns to step S39. The process of step S42 is the same as the process of step S35 described above.

  If the key input in step S39 is the “BACK” key 18g, it is first determined whether or not the first background selection screen (first screen) shown at the top of FIG. S40) If it is the first screen (S40 is Y), the process returns to step S31. That is, the display returns to the first screen display of the immediately preceding process. On the other hand, when the second to fourth screens in FIG. 9 are being displayed, the previous background selection screen is displayed (step S41), and the process returns to step S39. In this way, a background pattern can be determined by selecting an arbitrary icon from a total of 24 types of background icons on the four background selection screens in FIG.

  When the “SET” key 18c is input in step S39 when the desired background is selected, the background data of the background icon selected by the cursor position is stored in the RAM 48 (step S43). If it is determined in step S37 that a layout without a background has been selected, the process proceeds to step S43 without performing the background selection process.

  Then, an image selection process (step S44) and an image direction setting process (step S45), which will be described later in detail, are performed. The background selection process, the image selection process, and the image orientation setting process described above are sequentially performed from the frame at the head position in the case of a multiple frame layout.

  Next, the image selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, an image selection screen is displayed (step S51). As shown in FIG. 4A, this process is a process for displaying the image of the photographing number 1 stored in the digital camera 1 on the viewfinder 4 on one screen (no division).

  Following the above, the key input from the key input unit 44 is awaited (step S52). Here, if the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 15 to display the top menu. If the input operation of the “BACK” key 18g, the display of the background selection screen in FIG. 9 in step S38 of FIG. Return to.

  If the input operation is “EASY” key 18e, “+” key 18b or “−” key 18a, image selection processing is performed (step S53). In this process, as described at the end of the description of FIGS. 4 to 7, for example, first, nine frames are displayed with the “EASY” key 18e, and nine frames including a desired image are displayed with the “+” key 18b. One frame at the head of the nine frames is displayed on one screen by the “EASY” key 18e, and the display of one frame is sequentially sent to the higher photographing number by the “+” key 18b. Thereby, a desired image can be displayed on one screen.

  Here, when the “SET” key 18c is input in step S52, the image displayed at that time is fixed (step S54). This process is a process for transferring the image currently displayed from the digital camera 1 to the printer 15. The digital camera 1 stores all captured images at the highest resolution that the digital camera 1 has. Therefore, the amount of image data of one frame image is relatively large. In the present embodiment, the above-described selected layout is examined, converted to a resolution corresponding to the size of the image of the layout, and then transferred. For example, when the layout of 4 frames per screen is selected, the CPU 40 of the printer 15 causes the digital camera 1 to display four images displayed in the 4 frames at a low resolution (in this case, a resolution of 1/4). ). Then, it instructs the printer 15 to transfer the instructed low resolution image data to the printer 15, and uses the image data that has been converted to the low resolution and transferred to execute printing in a quad screen. Yes. Of course, when the layout of 9 frames per screen (see the 17th and 18th icons in FIG. 8 (c)) is selected, the CPU 40 of the printer 15 displays the 9 frames on the digital camera 1 in the above 9 frames. An instruction is given to convert one image to a resolution of 1/9, and an instruction is given to transfer image data of the designated resolution to the printer 15.

  Further, when the digital camera 1 has a fine mode for recording an image with a fine density and a normal mode for recording an image with a coarse density, when the image transfer request is output from the printer 15 to the digital camera 1, It is possible to specify whether an image recorded in the mode or an image recorded in the normal mode is requested. At this time, when the normal mode is designated, the sent image does not match the resolution of the printer 15 (usually, the resolution of the image is low), so printing is performed after resolution conversion is performed by processing such as dot interpolation on the printer 15 side. Should be done.

（横方向の画像を縦方向に回転）と

（縦方向の画像を横方向に回転）の二通りであり、初期表示ではカーソル５８が左の

の下に表示されている。
上記に続いてキー入力を待機する（ステップＳ６２）。この場合も、「ＭＥＮＵ」キー１８ｆの入力操作なら図１５のステップＳ３に移行してトップメニューの表示を行い、「ＢＡＣＫ」キー１８ｇの入力操作なら図１８のステップＳ５１
の画像選択画面の表示処理、つまり直前の表示処理に戻る。 Next, the image direction setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, an image direction setting screen is displayed (step S61). In this process, as shown in FIG. 24 (a), a character screen for inquiring how to rotate (set) the determined image within a predetermined frame of the determined layout is displayed. Select the rotation direction

(Rotate horizontal image vertically) and

(Rotate the image in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction). In the initial display, the cursor 58 is

It is displayed below.
Following the above, the key input is waited (step S62). Also in this case, if the input operation is “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 15 to display the top menu. If the input operation is “BACK” key 18g, step S51 in FIG.
Return to the display processing of the image selection screen, that is, the immediately preceding display processing.

  If the input operation is the “+” key 18b or the “−” key 18a, the cursor 58 is moved to the left or right according to the key operation (step S63), and the process returns to step S62 to wait for the key input. repeat. Then, when a desired direction is selected and the “SET” key 18c is input in step S62, the arrangement direction of the image (image) is determined in the direction selected by the cursor 58 (step S64). . This process is a process for determining whether or not to convert the address of the image data developed in the image memory 41 by 90 degrees. After the above, the printing process in step S46 of FIG. 17 is executed. The printing process in step S46 is the same as the printing process described in FIG.

  Next, calendar printing processing will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a format selection screen is displayed (step S71), and key input is waited for (step S72). The display process is a process for displaying the calendar-arranged icon menu shown in FIG. If the key input is “EASY” key 18e in step S72, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the key input is “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If the key is "+" key 18b or "-" key 18a, a cursor (not shown) is displayed (step S73), and the process returns to step S72 to wait for the next key input. The cursor movement process is the same as the process in step S12 of FIG.

  When the format (icon) is selected in the above selection process and the “SET” key 18c is input, the calendar layout format indicated by the icon on which the cursor is currently displayed is determined (step S73). This process is a process of reading the format image of the calendar layout to be determined from the calendar creation area of the ROM 46 and storing it in the work area of the RAM 48. Thereafter, a selection process of an image to be combined with the selected and confirmed (determined) calendar arrangement format is performed (step S74), and then an image direction setting process of the selected image is performed (step S75). The image selection process is the same as the process shown in FIG. 18, and the image direction setting process is the same as the process shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, in this calendar printing process, the year and month are further set. That is, following the above, the year setting screen is displayed (step S76). This process is a process for displaying the character screen for year setting shown in FIG. In FIG. 6B, [2000] indicating the year 2000 is displayed below the English characters for instructing to input the year, and the cursor 59 is displayed below the last digit.

Following the above display, the key input is waited (step S77). If the key input is the “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15, and if the key input is the “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If it is the “BACK” key 18g, the process returns to step S71 to display the first format selection screen. If the key is “+” key 18b or “−” key 18a, the year change display is performed (step S78), and the process of waiting for key input again in step S77 is repeated. In the change of the year, if the input operation of the “+” key 18b, the year is sequentially increased to 2001 and 2002, whereas if the input operation is the “−” key 18a, the year is sequentially decreased to 1999 and 1998. When the desired year is displayed and the “SET” key 18c is input, the displayed year is determined (step S79), and then a setting screen is displayed for the month (step S80). This process is a process for displaying the character screen for month setting shown in FIG. In FIG. 6C, [12] indicating December is displayed below the English character instructing to input the month, and the cursor 60 is displayed below the last digit.

  Following the above display, key input is waited (step S81). If the key input is “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15, and if the key input is “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If it is the “BACK” key 18g, the process returns to step S76 to display the year setting screen.

  If the key is "+" key 18b or "-" key 18a, the month change display is performed (step S82), and the process of waiting for key input again in step S81 is repeated. The change of the month is performed by an operation of “+” key 18b, and the month is returned to the first month, such as 1, 2, and 3. In the case of an input operation of “−” key 18a, the month is 11, 10, Decreases sequentially with 9. When the desired month is displayed and the "SET" key 18c is input, the displayed month is determined (step S83), and the calendar data of the determined year and month is stored in the calendar creation program stored in the ROM 46. Based on this, it is temporarily stored in the RAM 48 (step S84). Then, according to the calendar arrangement format in which the print data transferred from the camera 1 and stored in the print data storage area for each color Y, M, and C in the RAM 48 and the calendar data stored in the RAM 48 are determined. Print data is generated by combining the image and the calendar of the month by combining in the image combining area. This image composition processing is performed in the order of Y, M, and C print data in the image composition area of the RAM 48. Further, the numbers and characters of the calendar data are read as pattern data from the CG of the ROM 46 and developed in the RAM 48. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a printing process (step S85). This printing process is the same as the printing process shown in FIG.

  Next, mini label printing processing will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, an illustration menu screen is displayed (step S91). This process is a process for displaying the first screen shown in FIG. In addition, the illustration here is an edge decoration pattern of an image. This screen data is transferred from the printer 15 to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4.

  Subsequently, the key input is waited (step S92). If the key input is the “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the “MENU” key 18f or the “BACK” key 18g, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If it is the “+” key 18b, it is determined whether or not to change to the next screen display based on the current position of a cursor (not shown) (step S93). This process is a process for determining whether or not the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position.

If the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position (S93 is Y), the next illustration selection screen (in the case of FIG. The display is switched to the second display screen, and the cursor is displayed on the icon at the head position (step S94). On the other hand, if the display address of the current cursor is not the display position of the icon at the tail position (N in S93), the cursor is moved to the position of the next icon (step S95). In step S92, the key input is awaited again. As a result, the icons of the illustrations are selected in the order of higher numbers.

  Also, when the “−” key 18a is input, it is determined whether or not to change to the previous screen display based on the current position of the cursor (step S96). This process is a process for determining whether or not the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the head position. If the current cursor is at the position of the icon at the head position (Y in S96), go to the previous illustration selection screen (the previous display screen when the subsequent display screen of FIG. 12 (a) was displayed). The display is switched and the cursor is displayed on the icon at the end position (step S97). On the other hand, if the current cursor is not the position of the icon at the head position (S96 is N), the cursor is moved to the position of the previous icon (step S98). In step S92, the key input is awaited again. As a result, the icons of the illustrations are sequentially selected to the lower number.

  When a desired illustration is selected and the “SET” key 18c is input, the illustration in which the cursor is located is determined (step S99). Subsequently, a reproduction screen is displayed (step S100). This process is a process for displaying the image of the photographing number 1 stored in the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 4A on the viewfinder 4 on one screen (no division).

  Following the above, the key input from the key input unit 44 is waited (step S101). If the key input is the “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the key input is the “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If the “BACK” key 18g, the process returns to step S91. If it is the “+” key 18b, the display screen is switched to the image with the next largest shooting number (step S102), and the process of waiting for key input in step S101 is repeated. As a result, the display of the images is sequentially switched to the one with the larger photographing number.

  If the key input is the “−” key 18a, the display screen is switched to the image with the next smallest shooting number (step S103), and the process of waiting for the key input in step S101 is repeated. As a result, the display of the images is sequentially switched to the one with the smaller photographing number.

  When the “SET” key 18c is input while a desired image is displayed, the currently displayed image is determined as being selected (step S104). This process is a process in which image data of an image being displayed is transferred from the digital camera 1 to the printer 15 and temporarily stored in the image memory 41. At this time, as described above, the resolution conversion function of the digital camera 1 is used to transfer the image data as low-capacity image data whose resolution is reduced to 1/4 or 1/9, for example. On the printer 15 side, the expansion unit 42 converts the resolution so that the resolution becomes 1/20 of one screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, image data in which an image of 20 frames per screen and an illustration are combined is created, and the process proceeds to printing processing (step S105). This printing process is the same as the printing process of FIG.

  Next, card (picture postcard) printing processing will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a format selection screen is displayed (step S110). This process is a process for displaying the first screen shown in FIG. This screen data is also transferred from the printer 15 to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4.

  Subsequently, the key input is waited (step S111). If the key input is the “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the key input is the “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If it is the “+” key 18b, it is determined whether or not to change to the next screen display based on the current position of a cursor (not shown) (step S112). This process is a process for determining whether or not the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position.

  If the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position (S112 is Y), the next format selection screen (in the case of FIG. 13 (a), it is superimposed on the back). The display is switched to the second display screen), and the cursor is displayed on the icon at the head position (step S113). On the other hand, if the display address of the current cursor is not the display position of the icon at the tail position (S112 is N), the cursor is moved to the position of the next icon (step S114). In step S111, the key input is awaited again. As a result, the postcard icons are selected in the order of higher numbers.

  Also, when the “−” key 18a is input, it is determined whether or not to change to the previous screen display based on the current position of the cursor (step S115). This process is a process for determining whether or not the current cursor position corresponds to the position of the icon at the head position. If the current cursor is at the position of the icon at the head position (S115 is Y), display on the previous format selection screen (the previous display screen when the subsequent display screen of FIG. 13 (a) was displayed). And the cursor is displayed on the icon at the end position (step S116). On the other hand, if the current cursor is not the position of the icon at the head position (S115 is N), the cursor is moved to the position of the previous icon (step S117). In step S111, the key input is awaited again. As a result, the postcard icons are selected in the order of lower numbers.

  When a desired illustration is selected and the “SET” key 18c is input, the pattern of the postcard icon where the cursor is located is determined (step S118). This process is also a process of storing the selected picture in the RAM 48. Following the above, an image selection process is performed (step S119), and an image direction setting process is performed (step S120). These image selection processing and image direction setting processing are the same as the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively.

  When the setting is confirmed by the above processing, the confirmed image is stored in the RAM 48 (step S121), and then a screen display for year setting is performed (step S122). In this process, the screen shown in FIG. 24B is displayed. Next, the process waits for key input (step S123). If the key input is “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the key input is “MENU” key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If the “BACK” key 18g, the process returns to step S119.

  If the key is “+” 18b, the year is incremented by “1” (step S124), and if the key is “−” key 18a, the year is subtracted by “1” (step S125). The processes in steps S124 and S125 are the same as the processes described in step S78 in the calendar printing process in FIG. Here, the year displayed on the screen is determined by the key input of the “SET” key 18c (step S126). The characters of this year are read out from the CG of the ROM 46 as a font pattern and combined with the photographed image of the camera 1. Then, a printing process is performed (step S127). This printing process is the same as the printing process shown in FIG.

  Finally, the image list (index) printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the data of the number of captured images is transferred from the digital camera 1 (step S130). Then, the completion of reception of the number data is confirmed (step S131). First, a character display screen is generated, transferred to the digital camera 1 and displayed (step S132). In this process, the display screen shown in FIG. 25 (a) is displayed for the higher model, and the display screen shown in FIG. 25 (b) is displayed for the lower model, depending on the already recognized model of the digital camera 1. Is done.

  *** of “NOMAL *** PAGES” shown on the display screen of FIG. 5A is a part for displaying the number of images, and an image of one frame is stored with a fine pixel number of 640 dots × 480 dots. The number of existing images is displayed. ** of “FINE ** PAGES” is also a portion for displaying the number of images, but the number of images stored with a slightly coarse pixel number of 320 dots × 240 dots is displayed. Also, in the display of FIG. 5B, there is no distinction between “NORMAL” and “FINE”, and the number of sheets is simply displayed in the *** part as “*** PAGES”. In this model, all images are stored with a pixel number of 320 dots × 240 dots having a slightly lower resolution.

  After the character display screen is transferred to the digital camera 1 and displayed, the character (number) data indicating the number and the address indicating the display position are transferred to the digital camera 1 based on the received number data. It is displayed (step S133). As a result, the number of captured images is displayed in the portion indicated by “**” on the display screen of FIG.

Following the above, key input is waited (step S134). If the key input is “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the key input is “MENU” key 18f or “BACK” key 18g, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. When the number of displayed images is confirmed and the “SET” key 18c is input, a print start screen is displayed (step S135). In this process, a character display screen shown in FIG. 25C is generated, transferred to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4. This figure shows a screen asking the user whether or not to perform printing. If printing is to be made (YES), an instruction is given to insert the paper P into the paper insertion / discharge port 16. If printing is not to be made (NO), “MENU The key 18f is instructed to input.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the sheet P has been inserted from the sheet insertion / discharge port 16 by the sensor (step S136). When insertion of the sheet P is detected (Y in S136), printing is started (step S137). As a result, the list printing (index printing) of all images is started in the state of any one of the frame division screens of FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C according to the number of shots.

  If the number of images is 10 or more, and the setting of the frame division screen is 10 frames × 10 frames, all images are displayed as thumbnail images (image data of 52 dots × 36 dots pixels). Print.

  Subsequently, the completion of printing is confirmed (step S138 and determination is Y), and the top menu is returned to the display. Further, when the insertion of the paper P is not detected in step S136, the key input state from the key input unit 44 is referred to (step S139), and if there is no key input, the determination in step S136 is performed. repeat. Thereby, the user can cancel the list printing and move to another process. That is, by performing the key input without inserting the paper P, the key input is determined in step S139. If the key input is the “EASY” key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15. If the key input is the “MENU” key 18f or the “BACK” key 18g, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG.

  In the above-described index printing, when a large number of images are printed as thumbnail images, the digital camera 1 converts the resolution to thumbnail images in the same manner as when converting to a low resolution of 1/4 or 1/9. When the image is transferred and printed, it can be processed at high speed and a good result can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an electronic still camera (digital camera) and a printer (printing apparatus) are connected in an embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing a digital camera, and (b) is a diagram showing a printer. . (a) is a block diagram of the configuration of the digital camera, and (b) is a block diagram of the configuration of the printer. It is a figure which shows the display state of the initial screen displayed on the viewfinder of a digital camera, when a digital camera and a printer are connected and both power supplies are turned on. (a)-(f) is a figure (the 1) which shows the example of the display changed by key operation in simple print mode. (a), (b), (c) is the figure (the 2) which shows the example of the display changed by key operation in simple print mode. (a)-(e) is a figure (the 3) which shows the example of the display changed by key operation in simple print mode. (a)-(e) is a figure (the 4) which shows the example of the display changed by key operation in simple print mode. (a), (b), (c) is a figure which shows the display screen of the icon showing the image layout style of a total of 18 types by 6 types 3 screens by 1 screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the icon display screen for selecting the background combined with the selected image. It is a figure which shows the icon display screen for selecting the arrangement | positioning of the calendar combined with the selected image. It is a figure which shows three examples of the calendar printing which synthesize | combined the image and the calendar. (a) is a diagram showing an example of an icon display screen for selecting a border pattern to be combined with an image such as a selected face photograph. It is a figure which shows the example of no mini label display. (a) is a diagram showing an icon display screen for selecting a symbol that represents a festival to be combined with the image selected for picture postcard creation, and (b) is a frame that is combined with the photographed image to create a collage image. It is a figure which shows the icon display screen for selecting a pattern. (a), (b), (c) is a figure which shows the example of a screen display when the icon for lists or an index is selected. 3 is a general flowchart of image display and print processing. It is a flowchart of a printing process. It is a flowchart of an image selection process. It is a flowchart of an image direction setting process. It is a flowchart of a printing process of a background composite image. It is a flowchart of a printing process of an image with a calendar. It is a flowchart of a mini label printing process. It is a flowchart of a postcard printing process. It is a flowchart of a list printing process of all captured images. (a), (b), (c) is a figure which shows the display state in image direction setting, year input, and month input. (a), (b), (c) is a figure which shows the display state in the number-of-photographed image number display and print mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera (camera)
2 Camera body 3 Lens unit 4 Viewfinder 5 ON switch 6 OFF switch 7 PL key 8 RE key 9 Shutter button 11 “+” key 12 “-” key 13 Communication terminal 14 Communication cable 15 Printer P Recording paper 16 Paper insertion Cum discharge port 17 operation panel 18 operation key 18a "-" key 18b "+" key 18c "SET" key 18d "POWER" key 18e "EASY" key 18f "MENU" key 18g "BACK" key 19 Communication terminal 21 Timing / Generator 22 CCD
23 Driver 24 A / D converter 25 DRAM
26 Compression / Expansion Unit 27 Image Memory 28 ROM
29 RAM
30 CPU
31 Key input unit 32 Video signal generation unit 33 VRAM
34 D / A converter 35 Color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
36 amplifier 37 CG
38 I / O port 40 CPU
41 Image memory 42 Expansion unit 43 Selection unit 44 Key input unit 45 I / O unit 46 ROM
47 Color printer section 48 RAM
49 Bus 51 LAYOUT icon 52 CALENDAR icon 53 MINI icon 54 POSTCARD icon 55 CALLAGE icon 56 INDEX icon 57, 58 cursor

Claims (5)

An electrical image signal photoelectrically converted based on a light image captured and connected by a lens device is converted into a digital signal, the digital signal is stored in an image memory as image data, and the output of the image memory is temporarily displayed. The image data stored in the memory is displayed on the display device, and the control signal and the image data are transmitted to and received from an external device connected to the outside of the device. A printing device connected to an image recording device for storing and reproducing an image as digital image data,
An image transfer request signal is output to the control means by a print control means provided in the printing apparatus, and image data stored in the image memory is supplied to the image transfer request signal as printing means provided in the printing apparatus. Including a resolution conversion request signal for sending at a resolution suitable for printing,
The printing apparatus, wherein the printing means prints the sent image data without performing resolution conversion. The image transfer request signal includes a composite image transfer request signal for combining and printing a plurality of images on one sheet,
In the composite image transfer request signal, the image data of a plurality of images stored in the image memory and designated for composite printing are combined and sent to a resolution suitable for printing by a printing unit provided in the printing apparatus. Including a composite image resolution conversion request signal,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the sent image data without performing resolution conversion. An electrical image signal photoelectrically converted based on a light image captured and connected by a lens device is converted into a digital signal, the digital signal is stored in an image memory as image data, and the output of the image memory is temporarily displayed. The image data stored in the memory is displayed on the display device, and the control signal and the image data are transmitted to and received from an external device connected to the outside of the device. A printing device connected to an image recording device for storing and reproducing an image as digital image data,
An image transfer request signal is output to the control means by a print control means provided in the printing apparatus, and image data stored in the image memory is supplied to the image transfer request signal as printing means provided in the printing apparatus. Either a first resolution conversion request signal that is sent out at a resolution suitable for printing, or a second resolution conversion request signal that requires resolution conversion when printing by a printing unit provided in the printing apparatus. Including
When receiving the image data based on the second resolution conversion request signal, the print control means converts the received image data to a predetermined resolution, and the print means prints the image data converted to the predetermined resolution. The printing apparatus characterized by performing.   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the second resolution request signal is sent, the print control means sends a designation signal for designating a plurality of image data to be printed simultaneously. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined resolution is a resolution of a thumbnail image.

Images